In loving memory of Grandpa Jones

I found out on Monday that Gramps had passed away. It broke my heart. Even though he was old and his health was failing, it was hard to hear that he had passed on. I felt close to him and have so many memories. He was an unselfish man of strong character. I'll always remember him singing "Alfalfa Hay" at the Jones reunions, his sweet smile and big hugs, his sense of humor, him playing the saxaphone, getting his white socks stuffed with nuts and candy for Christmas, and him making the hard trip to come to my wedding because he knew how much it would mean to me. He will always hold a special place in my heart and I can't wait for the day when I will see him again.

Leon Weldon Jones, born August 14, 1926 in Blanding Utah; died Monday, October 27, 2008 at the age of 82. Leon was the son of Marvin Willard Jones and Mary Ann Palmer Jones and the grandson of Hole in the Rock pioneer Kumen Jones. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, 10 brothers and sisters and one son, Eddie Kay Jones. He is survived by one sister, Dora Heiner (Thane), sons Leon Kent (Cherie) and Lewis (Louie and wife LeVida), daughter, Marilyn Peoples (Steve), 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Leon attended San Juan High school and was a member of the class of 1944. He worked as a truck driver, mechanic, on his father’s dry farm north of Blanding, at a dairy in Dayton, Ohio, and in the mines near Blanding before marrying Mary Sanchez on September 23, 1950. They were later sealed in the Manti Temple.

Leon and Mary lived in Blanding after marrying while Leon worked in the uranium mines. In 1955 they moved to Moab where Leon ran a Credit Bureau. While in Moab Leon sold his business and went to work with his brothers in a uranium mine in Colorado. In 1960, Leon and Mary moved to Palisade, Colorado where they bought a farm on 8 acres where they raised peaches, hay and farm animals.

Leon continued to work at the mines and later found a job working at Dixon manufacturing in Grand Junction where he later became head of maintenance. Mary joined him as an employee at Dixon and they worked together for over 20 years. Leon retired in 1993. After retiring Leon wanted to return to Blanding. Although Mary preferred to stay in Colorado, she supported him in this interest and they sold their Palisade farm in 1995 and moved to their present home in Blanding.

Leon loved Blanding. It was the most beautiful place in the world to him. His favorite place to be was anywhere in San Juan County, whether on Blue Mountain, out in the sage brush, pine trees and junipers, or down in Bluff. Leon also loved his family. His family extended far beyond his own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved people—and everyone loved Leon. It was hard not to.

Leon also loved his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Leon and Mary were baptized on December 26, 1974. After his baptism Leon was quickly called to serve. He held many positions continuously until he was physically unable. For many years he served in the nursery with Mary.

Leon and Mary were inseparable. They did everything together. When asked recently for counsel from a grandson, he said, find yourself a wife like Mary. When he died, they had completed 58 years of marriage. Leon also loved his Heavenly Father and never failed to express gratitude for his many blessings. Although his body began to fail him and he lacked much hearing, sight and could barely breath he continued to be as active as possible, looking for new projects and ways to help others, never losing the smile that all who knew him will remember.

The funeral for Leon Weldon Jones was held on Friday, October 31, 2008. Leon was buried in the Blanding cemetery.